Toms Turn
This newsletter might arrive a little later than usual. This is because I wanted to wait until after our congregational meeting to write my Tom’s Turn. Last month, I outlined a pastoral dilemma that the church was struggling with. It came to our attention that a Level 1 sex offender was attending our worship services. Some people, particularly parents with young children, raised a concern about this person worshiping with us. So we met as a congregation to discuss how we might minister to all people and at the same time keep our children as safe as possible.
It was a Spirit-filled discussion. There were some holy moments as people shared their wisdom and experience. At one point, I was asked about my perspective regarding this issue. I shared with the people gathered some Scripture passages that I feel are foundational for us as the Body of Christ. Those Scripturepassages are: Matthew 25:31-40; Matthew 22:35-40; Romans 3:23-25a; 2nd Corinthians 5:16-20; 1 Corinthians 12:12-26. I encourage you to look up those passages, but here is a quick summarization of each one. Matthew 25:31-40 is the story of the sheep and the goats in which Jesus praises those who minister to “the least of these.” In so doing, Jesus tell us, we have ministered to him. Matthew 22:35-40 is the passage in whichJesus is asked his opinion on what commandment is the most important. Jesus responds: “Love God with your whole heart, soul and mind.” Then he says, “A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” Romans 3:23-25areminds us that we have all fallen short of God’s glorious standard. And yet through the grace of Jesus Christ, God has taken our sins away and declared us forgiven. 2nd Corinthians 5:16-20 speaks of the new creation a person becomes when they come to Christ. The old life is gone! A new life has begun! 1 Corinthians 12:12-26 talks about our need for one another, especially for those parts of the body that seem weaker and least important. That is the perspective I approach this dilemma from. I believe that Jesus Christ can transform the life of any individual!
After much discussion, we reached a consensus. It was decided that we would allow Level 1 sex offenders to participate in the life of our church, but with some strict parameters. They would be allowed to participate in worship, but we felt we were not equipped to serve as a place for them to simply hang out after they had to leave the shelter after 8 a.m. So I asked them to come for worship only, and they were agreeable to that request. I also told them, as was the consensus that they could continue to enjoy the fellowship and food at the community dinners.
Parents, it was stressed, also have a part to play in resolving this dilemma. It was reinforced that parents are responsible for their children when the children are not in Sunday School. Children are not to be unsupervised. We also decided to strengthen our Safe Sanctuary policy by having a sign in and out sheet for Sunday School. Children will not be excused from Sunday School until they are signed out by a parent.
I was proud of our members as they tackled a very tricky dilemma. The discussion was cordial, informative, and Spirit-filled. I feel we came to a conclusion that fulfills our mission statement and leaves an open door for us to be in ministry with all persons, regardless of their background. And it also takes steps to give our children the best protection we can give. What I witnessed on Sunday morning was the church at its best. Thank you for your participation in this process, and for the privilege of being your pastor.
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